 Learning this special language is an important step in preparing for your New Career.  Learning medical terms is much easier than learning a foreign language.

 Understanding new words becomes easier with the discovery that many terms are made up of interchangeable word parts.  Once you understand this you will be well on your way to translating the most difficult medical terms.

Word Parts Are The Key! Word Parts Are The Key!  Four basic types of word parts are used to create complex medical terms.  Word Root-contains the basic meaning of the term. This word part usually, but not always, indicates the involved body part.  Gastrology- gastr is the word root.

Word Parts Are The Key! Word Parts Are The Key!  Suffix- usually, but not always, indicates the procedure, condition, disorder, or disease. A suffix always comes at the end of a word.  Gastrology –ology (the study of).  Prefix- usually, but not always, indicates location, time, number, or status. A prefix always comes at the beginning of a word.  Gastrology - Gastro (Stomach).

Word Parts Are The Key!  Always start at the end of the word, with the suffix, and work toward the beginning.  As you separate the word parts, identify the meaning of each word  Hepato/megaly  Hepat/o- means liver  megaly- means enlargment  Enlargement of the liver  Because some word parts have more than one meaning, it is also necessary to determine the context in which the term is being used.  As used here, context means to determine which body system this term is referring to.

Word Parts Are The Key!  If you have any doubt, use your medical dictionary.  Be aware that not all medical terms are made up of word parts.  When you are able to guess at the meaning of a term on the basis of word parts that it is made up of, you must always double check for accuracy because some terms have more than one meaning.

Medical Dictionary Use  Searching for definitions on the internet.  Internet search engines are valuable resources in finding definitions and details about medical conditions and terms; however it is important that you rely on a site, such as NIH ( which is known to be a reputable information source.  A medical term is easier to understand, and remember, when you know how to pronounce it properly.  Frequently, there is more than one correct way to pronounce a medical term.  Accuracy in spelling medical terms is extremely important.

Using Abbreviations  Abbreviations are frequently used as a shorthand way to record long and complex medical terms.  Bid-two times daily  Tid- three times a day  Abbreviations can also lead to confusion and errors! Therefore, it is important that you be very careful when using or interpreting an abbreviation.  Qd- everyday  Po- by mouth  Most clinical agencies have policies for accepted abbreviations  If there is any question in you mind about which abbreviation to use, always follow this rule.  When in doubt spell it out.

Anatomic Reference Systems  Are used to describe the locations of structural units of the body.  The simplest anatomic reference is the one we learn in childhood.  Our right hand is on the right, and our left hand is on the left.  In medical terminology, there are several additional ways to describe the location of different body parts.  These anatomical reference systems include;  Body planes, directions,cavities, and units.

 Here is an example of body planes, so you can get a better idea.

Body Direction Terms  The relative location of sections of the body, or of an organ can be described through the use of pairs of contrasting body direction terms.  Ventral-front or belly side.  Dorsal- refers to back of organ or body.  Anterior-situated in the front.  Posterior-situated in the back.  Superior-upper most, above, or toward the head.  Inferior- lowermost, below, or toward the feet.  Cephalic-toward the head.  Caudal-toward the lower part of the body.

Body Direction Terms  Proximal- Situated nearest the midline or beginning.  Distal-Situated farthest form the midline or beginning of the body structure.  Medial- The direction toward or nearest the midline.  Lateral-The direction toward or nearest the side and away from the midline.

Major Body Cavities  The two major body cavities, which are the dorsal and ventral cavities, are spaces within the body that contain and protect internal organs.  The dorsal cavity, which is located along the back of the body and head, contains organs of the nervous system that coordinate body functions and is divided into two portions.  The cranial cavity, which is located within the skull, surrounds and protects the brain.  Cranial means pertaining to the skull.  The spinal cavity, which is located within the spinal column, surrounds and protects the spinal cord.

Structures Of The Body  The body is made up of increasing larger, and more complex, structural units.  From the smallest to the largest these are: cells, tissue, organs, and the body systems.  A body organ is a somewhat independent part of the body that performs a specific function.

1. A suffix can be found at the _______ of a word. 2. A prefix can be found at the _______ of a word. 3. Anterior-Situated in the _______. 4. Posterior-situated in the _______.

5. Lateral-The direction toward or nearest the side and away from the _________. 6. Distal-Situated farthest from the ________ or beginning of the body structure. 7. Because some word parts have more than one meaning, it is also necessary to determine the ________ in which the term is being used. 8. The __________, which is located within the skull, surrounds and protects the brain. _____________

 9. A body organ is a somewhat independent part of the body that performs a ________ function.  10. Anatomical reference systems include;  Body planes, directions, cavities, and ______.

Medical Terminology Reference page 1. m m 2. om om dictionary.com